The usefulness of the concept of “small states” as an analytical tool is discussed in a review of books by Edward Azar and Marshall Singer. The size of states has both domestic and international ramifications. Authors who use the concept of “small states” struggle with the problem of defining it. Such definitions can be clear and unambiguous but arbitrary at the same time; more sophisticated definitions are also more ambiguous and difficult to apply to concrete cases. Inquiry into the role of small states in international politics is shown to be still in a very elementary stage. Although there does of course exist a continuum of size of states in international relations, small states form too broad a category for purposes of analysis.
This article deals with the development of the self-imposed limited mandate of Amnesty International and the considerations which are taken into account. The organization has gradually expanded its field of attention. It is suggested in this article that, although expanded, the mandate still remains ‘limited’ and in line with the principles as envisaged when the organization was founded in 1961. An important expansion or re-interpretation of the mandate took place at the International Council meeting in 1991. The article deals with the meaning of the mandate, the criteria which have to be met, the users of the mandate, and deals with three pertinent illustrations of mandate debates: the violence clause, political non-governmental entities and homosexuality.
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